When President Obama was elected, he made a promise to Native Americans that he would meet with tribal leaders every year. And he has kept that promise.
This week, for the eighth and final time, Northwest tribes will travel to Washington D.C. to meet with the highest levels of this administration.
Before President Obama, there weren’t any regular meetings like this on the White House calendar.
Ron Allen, the tribal chairman and CEO of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe on the Olympic Peninsula, says since the beginning, Obama was clear with his intentions.
“The president basically is saying, ‘I get that we have not lived up to our obligation and our commitment to you, Indian Country; I get it. That’s unacceptable.’” said Allen.
What President Obama did was sign an executive order, establishing the White House Council on Native American Affairs to deal head-on with Native issues. He also appointed a number of Native Americans to senior positions in the White House.
Most agree there’s simply been more traction in this administration than any other. But things are far from perfect.
Tribes hope the administration will put a stop to oil train expansion and improve access to healthcare for Native Americans.
